Shindiawa T195 Weedeater

I bought this 12-13 years ago, and it ran great for about 11. Started getting hard to start and wasn't running as smooth as it should. Tried to get replacement diaphragms for the carb but nobody had them. Or a new carb. A call to them said they only support for 10 years, basically "to bad". I found new carbs on Amazon, Chinese I'm sure. Came with new lines and filter. Trouble is, it's hard as hell to start. Priming bulb is moving fuel through the lines, I got from full choke for a few pulls, to half choke, to no choke. New plug by the way, has plenty of spark. I keep pulling, I get worn out from it. Finally it starts to spit out the exhaust. I finally get it started and it runs fine. What could cause the hard start? I'm about to get another carb to try.

Did you ever tune that replacement carburetor?

But the age of the trimmer a compression test is in order as it might just be getting worn out. It does take 100+ psi at startup to even get the engine to start. To verify it is a carb related problem add a little fuel via the spark plug hole before trying to start. If it starts then it is likely carb related, if not then it is either PNC or crankcase seal failure since you say you have good spark and the unit runs once you get it started.

All I find in reference to the Shindaiwa T195 is a Shindaiwa T195 S which used a Walbro WTA stratified carburetor and the K20-WYA repair kit is available. But that particular WYA-73A (WYA-73-1) carburetor is discontinued.

I haven't tried a compression test, I have an old style that you hold in your hand, I might be able to do that and pull the cord too. On the carb, this carb has no adjustment other than idle speed. I'll look at the old carb for any markings. I'll try the fuel in the plug hole too.